Brooklyn, New York– It took everything including a little luck for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (19-13) to close out the Pittsburgh Panthers (8-24) 67-64.

The Fighting Irish established the pace of game and took an early lead. Notre Dame was efficient from three-point range and stretched the lead. The Panthers didn’t help themselves struggling on offense. The Fighting Irish finished the half strong and led 36-24 at the half.

Pittsburgh slowly chipped away at the Notre Dame lead, getting it under ten. Then the Fighting Irish went on a run to seemingly put the game out of reach.

The Panthers simply would not die, methodically coming back. With 1:32 remaining, they were down 61-58. A three-point shot cut it to 63-61 with 48 seconds left.

A questionable call after a Notre Dame miss put Bonzie Colson on the free throw line and he made both which turned out to be the difference in the game.

Notre Dame was led by Colson, who had 19 points and six rebounds. Matt Farrell added 18 points, Rex Pflueger chipped in 13 points and T.J. Gibbs contributed 11 points. They will face the Virginia Tech Hokies in the next round.